Where to drink:

If exploring the Wolds leaves you feeling thirsty, you’ll find many great pubs to call at in this part of the country. The White Horse Inn in the pretty village of Hutton Cranswick has a well-stocked bar with cask and keg draught beers, lagers and a range of wines, spirits and soft drinks. You can play traditional pub games here or test your knowledge at one of the White Horse’s regular quiz nights. Further down the Wolds in Bishop Burton is The Altisidora – a whitewashed 15th century pub that has a large, peaceful beer garden to relax in. The Altisidora’s extensive drinks list features refreshing gin serves like ‘The Raspberry One’ with Whitley Neill raspberry gin, Fever-Tree lemon tonic water, fresh raspberries and mint, or ‘The Fresh One’ with Hendrick’s gin, home-made lemonade and fresh cucumber. Another convenient place to stop if you’re walking the Wolds Way is the Goodmanham Arms. This village pub has a real community feel with lots of social events taking place throughout the year. It is also a haven for real ale lovers – it was named Local CAMRA village Pub of the Year for 2022 and has its own brewery, All Hallows, which produces beers like Peg Fyfe Mild, Ragged Robin and Mischief Maker.

Places to stay:

Those who are looking to turn their day in the Wolds into a mini break will find accommodation here in many different forms. Hartswood Farm Cottages are situated in the village of East Knapton and make the perfect base from which to explore the area. Hartswood has four cottages to suit groups of all sizes – from Farm Cottage, which sleeps eight, to the Cowshed, which sleeps two. Each cottage is fully equipped for self catering and there’s also a swimming pool to use during your stay. If you’re looking for a rural escape that doesn’t scrimp on luxury, another option is the Country Huts on the Wolds In Thixendale. Named Wool and Wicket, these two shepherd’s huts are made with reclaimed mill timbers for a delightfully rustic feel. Despite their remote location, the huts offer plenty of home comforts, including a modern kitchen, log burner, feather bedding and a power shower, as well as a firepit BBQ. If you’d rather not have to think about cooking, the Talbot Hotel in Malton is a wonderful place to sleep and dine. This Georgian riverside inn has undergone a couple of renovations in recent years and now boasts an elegant interior that has earned it a mention in The Times Cool Hotel Guide. Malton is known as Yorkshire’s food capital – a reputation that The Talbot’s restaurant helps to uphold. The food here is described by the Condé Nast Traveller as ‘exquisite: locally sourced, lovingly cooked [and] properly served.’

Historical attractions: 

The Yorkshire Wolds are steeped in history and those interested in the past will discover some fascinating sites to visit here. Venture into the valley between Malton and Fridaythorpe and you’ll come across what’s left of Wharram Percy, one of the country’s largest and most famous deserted mediaeval villages. The village was lived in for six centuries before being abandoned in the early 1500s. The ruins are now in the care of the English Heritage and visitors can ramble through them and imagine what life was once like here. Another local mystery is the Rudston Monolith – the UK’s tallest standing stone. This prehistoric monument can be found in Rudston churchyard but nobody knows how it was transported there or quite what purpose it once served. If you’d like to admire a wonderful example of Elizabethan grandeur, Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens won’t disappoint. Described by architectural historian Mark Girouard as a ‘splendid and glittering composition’, this magnificent family home and its grounds offer much to see and do, with woodland walks and vibrant gardens to explore, as well as a cafe, plant shop and children’s play area.

Wonderful walks:

The Yorkshire Wolds are perhaps best known for the Wolds Way, a 79-mile walking route that forms an arch between Hessle and Filey. This National Trail takes around six days to walk and ascends from the banks of the Humber estuary onto the rolling chalk hills, from which you can see for miles. In June and early July you’ll be treated to the sight of vibrant poppy fields in bloom, and at the end of the walk you can encounter the wilds of Filey Brigg. A shorter and far less dramatic stroll can be taken around Kilnwick Percy. Situated at the foot of the Wolds, this hamlet has a stately home with 40 acres of grounds to explore, including open parkland, woods, a lake and a walled garden. If you’re hoping to see some wildlife, Broxta Forest is another lovely place to walk. Setting out from the car park at Reasty Hill Top, you can follow a six-mile circular route that takes you deep into beautiful mixed woodland where you might even spot a nightjar. 

Cosy cafes:

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy afternoon tea, The Shire in Bishop Wilton is a great place to stop. This rural cafe and gelateria is lots of fun for the whole family. You can take part in giant lawn games here, or meet some of the farm’s four-legged residents including ponies and guinea pigs. The Shire offers food from breakfast onwards and its menu features a variety of tasty cakes as well as 14 different flavours of ice cream. The Farmhouse Bakery and Cafe in Scampston is also well worth a visit. Run by a chocolatier, The Farmhouse has its own artisan chocolate shop selling seasonal and themed sweet treats. The cafe here serves fresh coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a range of fruit cordials and yummy milkshakes. You’ll find all kinds of enticing cakes to try and these can also be ordered to take home whole for special occasions.

Gorgeous gardens:

Providing nature-based joy for visitors of all ages, Woldies Lavender Farm is home to over 100 varieties of lavender, which are used to make everything from essential oils to delicious lavender scones. From June-August, you can wander through lively purple fields here and learn how the lavender is harvested and its oil distilled. Children will also have lots of fun as they ride on Woldies miniature railway, build their own den, play football golf or get messy in the mud kitchen and sandpit. Another inspiring place to visit in the summertime is Scampston Walled Garden. Located to the east of Malton, this award-winning walled garden was designed by the celebrated Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf. Each individual garden here has its own distinct character and these include a perennial meadow, summer box garden, silent garden and Katsura grove.

Other exciting things to see and do:

If you’re a beer drinker, you can’t take a trip to the Yorkshire Wolds without visiting Wold Top. This award-winning brewery is known for its cask, keg and bottled beers, which include Wold Top Bitter, Scarborough Fair IPA and gluten-free beer Against the Grain. Call into the brewery’s home in Wold Newton on a Tuesday or Saturday and you’ll be able to take a tour, learning all about how beer is made and trying a pint in the bar. If you fancy a spot of shopping, Phil Edmond Antiques in Ruston Parva is a treasure trove filled with great vintage finds, from unique furniture and interior design pieces to salvaged signs and farming tools. Residing in a characterful old barn, the shop is a joy to browse. Another place to find treats or gifts – particularly edible ones – is The Whole Hogg farm shop. Here, you can buy fruit and vegetables, locally-reared meat and freshly baked bread and cakes. The Whole Hogg also has a pick-your-own pumpkin patch in the autumn. If you’re looking for a day out like no other, why not take a walk with some new fluffy friends from the Butterwick Alpaca Retreat. This friendly little farm has five pet alpacas that enjoy being taken for a walk through the scenic countryside. An alpaca walk lasts 90 minutes and you’ll be able to trek together down a quiet path with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. 

Images: @woldswaylavender @yorkshirewoldsway @bertspizzeria